ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- The Lewis University men's basketball team defeated McKendree, 68-62, at Neil Carey Arena Thursday (Jan. 18). 

LEWIS LEADERS
Points: Beau Frericks (Cary, Ill./Cary Grove) (20), Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) (14), Rob Stroud (Danville, Ill.) (10)
Rebounds: Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) (10)
Assists: Frericks (4)
Steals: Frericks (3)
Blocks: Renfro (1)

RECORDS
Lewis 9-7 (5-3 GLVC) | McKendree 10-5 (4-4 GLVC)
 
SUMMARY
Both teams scored six points each to start the contest before McKendree scored five straight for a 11-6 lead. Lewis responded with five of its own after a three by Frericks and layup by Stroud tied it.

McKendree knocked down a three-pointer before Lewis scored 10 straight points with five from Stroud and Frericks for a 21-14 lead. The Bearcats got back in the contest with a 7-1 run to cut it down to one (22-21) with 6:40 to play in the opening half. 

Lewis was able to close out the first half with a three-pointer by Stroud which gave the Flyers a 34-26 lead at the break. The Flyers extended their lead out to 44-32 to start the second half after back-to-back baskets by Jamere Hill (Joliet, Ill./Joliet West) and Gary Solomon (Eastpointe, Mich.). 

The Bearcats responded with nine straight points to cut it down to 44-41 with 10:51 left in the game. Moments later, McKendree was able to tie it at 49-49 after knocking down a three-pointer with 6:11 to play.

Lewis responded with three-pointers by Warden and Frericks to make it 57-54 with 4:25 and the Flyers would hold onto the lead the rest of the way. Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) knocked down the dagger three-pointer which made it 62-56 with 3:01 to play. 

The Flyers made key stops down the stretch and knocked down their free throws as the Flyers won 68-62. 

FINAL SCORE
Lewis 68, McKendree 62

UP NEXT
Lewis will be back in action Saturday (Jan. 20) as the Flyers host Missouri-St. Louis at Neil Carey Arena with first tip at 3 p.m. CT.